You can dream in your sleep, but what about orgasm? It turns out, you can.
While it is a little-discussed aspect of human sexuality — often referred to as nocturnal orgasms or sleep orgasms — it is a very real thing.
While it may seem like something straight out of a fantasy, nocturnal orgasms are actually scientifically recognized, and there's a substantial amount of research explaining why they occur. Here’s how, below.
What is a Nocturnal Orgasm?
A nocturnal orgasm is the experience of orgasm during sleep, typically without conscious awareness or direct sexual stimulation. It can happen during the night and is often accompanied by vivid dreams that may involve sexual content, though this is not always the case.
These orgasms are usually involuntary, meaning the person is not consciously aware of what leads to their orgasm until they wake up.
In men, nocturnal orgasms are often referred to as wet dreams or nocturnal emissions. Women, however, can also have nocturnal orgasms.
How do nocturnal orgasms occur?
1. REM sleep and sexual dreams
The most likely scientific explanation for nocturnal orgasms involves Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, the stage of sleep when dreams are most vivid.
During REM, the brain is highly active, and this is when many sexual dreams occur. The body, however, is effectively paralyzed during REM sleep due to a phenomenon called REM atonia, which prevents folks from physically acting out their dreams.
Although physical movement is restricted, the sexual arousal and neural activity related to sexual dreams can lead to physiological responses, including orgasm. During REM sleep, the body can experience increased blood flow to the genital area, increased heart rate, and muscle contractions that are similar to those during awake sexual activity. Hence, it can lead to an orgasmic experience.
2. Hormonal changes
Hormones also play a significant role in the occurrence of nocturnal orgasms. Testosterone, which fluctuates throughout the day, is typically at its highest levels in the morning after a night of sleep. This increase in testosterone could contribute to sexual arousal and make the body more responsive to sexual thoughts, even during sleep.
In women, hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle or increased sexual desire might trigger it, too.
3. Spontaneous sexual arousal
Even without sexual dreams, orgasms can occur due to the body’s natural rhythms. When the body is in a relaxed state, the brain’s sexual centers can become activated. That’s why, sometimes, when you’re most relaxed, you might also feel turned on.
Why Does It Happen?
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Physiological and Biological Responses: Much like physical arousal during waking hours, the body can respond to a variety of internal and external arousal during sleep. The autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion) also regulates sexual arousal, and this system can remain active even while a person is asleep.
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Relieving Sexual Tension: For many people, nocturnal orgasms may also serve as a natural release of built-up sexual tension or frustration.
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Brain Activity and Dreaming: As we previously mentioned, during REM sleep, the brain is highly active, and dreams can sometimes be intensely vivid. In these dreams, sexual experiences or arousal may trigger a chain of physiological reactions that result in orgasm.
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Health and Well-being: It’s also important to note that sexual health is an integral part of overall physical and psychological well-being. Sexual fantasies, dream content, and bodily functions during sleep are a natural aspect of human physiology. Nocturnal orgasms may simply be part of the body’s way of maintaining balance and health in the realm of sexual function.
Who Experiences Nocturnal Orgasms?
Nocturnal orgasms are not limited to any specific age group, but they are most commonly reported during adolescence when hormonal fluctuations are highest. However, adults can experience them as well, though they are typically less frequent.
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that around 30% of women have reported experiencing a nocturnal orgasm, though the phenomenon tends to be less discussed due to societal taboos surrounding female sexuality.
Are Nocturnal Orgasms Normal?
Yes, nocturnal orgasms are normal! In fact, experiencing orgasm during sleep is a natural and harmless way for the body to release sexual tension. If you experience them, you shouldn’t be ashamed — but amazed!
So, the next time you wake up from a particularly vivid or arousing dream, you might just pat yourself on the back. While it might seem surprising, it’s simply one of the many ways the body maintains your sexual health and balance!